In 
recent years, a comparatively large number of logistics platforms or hubs have emerged. Additionally, retail trade has been restructuring logistics chains that have existed for decades. "In practice, this means that the suppliers of the retail food industry are being reshuffled. Those who previously supplied Northern Germany are now taking care of Eastern Germany and vice versa. And often with very small order quantities," says Jens Krause, managing director of the forwarding company that bears his name, based in Celle, Lower Saxony.
"We have the advantage of being located at a geographically optimal site, which is why we have been able to win over customers from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain in recent years, mainly partners in the retail food trade," Krause continues. As a result of the restructuring, there is an increased need for additional logistics services, such as interim storage, inventory management, and commissioned delivery. "This essentially applies to all fruits and vegetables, both domestic and imported goods alike. What is also increasing in the fruit sector is the challenge of working 7 days a week. Therefore, it does not necessarily get easier, not just for us, but for everyone."
North-South Regular Service
The company Krause, founded in 2007, is dedicated to the distribution of fruits and vegetables in the northern and eastern German regions. Another pillar since the company's inception is the North-South groupage traffic. "This means we consolidate goods at our location and deliver them overnight to the retail food industry's central warehouses in the Bavarian region. A fixed component is the approach to the wholesale markets in Nuremberg and Munich, despite a declining trend. According to Krause, fruit and vegetable logistics are also strongly seasonal. "As soon as all the domestic fruits and vegetables hit the market, this is accordingly reflected in the workload.
The Jens Krause Spedition GmbH & Co. KG boasts a modern fleet.
Toll increase and CO2 tax
Other issues that freight forwarders are currently dealing with include the toll increase and CO2 taxes, Krause continues. "We were able to take some preventive measures, as we have been working with a Diesel Floater since 2016. As for the toll increase, we are now nearly half a year into it. In summary, we have to admit that we have not been completely successful in passing on the costs 100%. With full loads, there are no major problems, but in the groupage sector, the toll - especially with empty runs and lack of volume - has a negative impact on the calculation. This partly affects us significantly. We are striving to find a fair and sustainable solution, but I see there is still much need for discussion."
Aerial view of the extension building.
Furthermore, logistics is increasingly trying to move away from fossil fuels. "For recurring system traffic, electrified refrigerated trailers are already a sensible alternative. We are also actively following developments around hydrogen. Although we do not take a leading role here, we will be faced with a choice in the medium term when we invest in new trucks. Accordingly, we are already considering which direction would be right for us." Recently, the company invested in an expansion of the refrigerated warehouse hall with combined CO2 refrigeration technology and photovoltaics, now providing a total capacity of about 3,600m2. "The purpose of this investment is to increase our clout and better meet the aforementioned need for additional services."
The company Krause is based in Celle, Lower Saxony, close to the tri-city area of Hannover-Braunschweig-Wolfsburg.
Digitalization as an additional challenge
Finally, Krause sees digitalization as an additional challenge. He has already been able to digitalize a significant part of his work processes, but this does not apply to all industries he serves as a freight forwarder. "Fruits and vegetables are a good example of an industry that is somewhat lagging and now wants to digitalize with full force. The trade has strong demands on their suppliers, and it is our task to provide these services, to show our customers practical solutions, and thus actively contribute to the digitalization of the industry."
Images: Jens Krause Spedition GmbH & Co. KG
For more information:
Jens Krause
Jens Krause Spedition GmbH & Co. KG
Karl-Schiller-Str. 8
29225 Celle / Germany
+49 (0) 5141 - 977267-0
[email protected]
www.krause-spedition.de